HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2305-1453CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, May 22, 2023
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
AA1.FY 2024 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget - Finance Committee Update and
Council Budget Discussion Presentation
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: May 22, 2023
Report #:2305-1453
TITLE
FY 2024 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget - Finance Committee Update and Council
Budget Discussion
RECOMMENDATION
This memorandum will be used to facilitate two discussions:
1) Update by the Finance Committee to the City Council in a study session (May 22, 2023)
2) Finance Committee budget wrap-up work.
The recommendations below reflect these two bodies of work.
May 22nd City Council Study Session
1) Staff recommends that the City Council:
•Review the current proposed budget adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed
Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule in alignment with the work
completed by the Finance Committee on May 5, and 9, 2023;
•Review the areas of focus for the City Council as identified by the Finance Committee and
staff; and
•Provide feedback to the Finance Committee on any areas of focus or additional
deliberations to review as part of the Budget Wrap-up Meeting scheduled for May 30, 2023.
May 30th Finance Committee Budget Wrap-up
1) Staff recommends the Finance Committee:
a. Review and discuss:
i. Additional information provided as requested by the Council, Committee, or
staff
ii. Summary of current budget adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed
Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule in alignment with
the work completed by the Committee May 5, and 9, 2023 and the full Council
May 22, 2023; and
b. Recommend to the City Council:
i. Adoption of the FY 2024 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal
Fee Schedule (Staff report 2304-13860F
1), amended by the actions outlined in this
report in ‘Tables1: Summary of Tentative Revisions to the FY 2024 Proposed
Budget,’ with greater detail in ‘Table 2: Full List of Tentative Recommendations
by Finance Committee,’ and as further amended in the wrap-up discussion; and
ii. Approve the FY 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan, amended by the actions
outlined in this report and as further amended in the wrap-up discussion.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This memorandum follows the Finance Committee review of the FY 2024 Proposed Operating and
Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule, and includes additional information and recommended
changes for further review with the City Council. The proposed budget uses a two-year balancing
strategy that leverages one-time surplus funding to bridge shortfalls in FY 2024 and FY 2025 while
continuing to invest in priority services, infrastructure, and saving for long-term liabilities. In addition,
the proposed budget recommends a measured approach to using one-time surplus, setting aside a
higher BSR reserve, and limiting ongoing costs to mitigate the potential for greater future deficits.
Overall, the Finance Committee spent 14 hours reviewing the budget materials and supplemental
memoranda discussing the FY 2024 Proposed Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and Municipal Fee
Schedule. After reviewing the $975 million proposed budgets, the committee tentatively recommended
recognizing additional funding of $9.0 million in the General Fund offset by the addition of $7.8 million
in expenses. This tentative recommendation reflects a 2-year budget strategy with $1.2 million in excess
funds in FY 2024 and a small deficit of $300,000 in FY 2025. Adjusting for these tentatively
recommended changes, the Finance Committee preliminary recommendations increase the projected
FY 2026 shortfall from $6.2 to $8.8 million.
In light of the additional ongoing expenditures preliminarily recommended by the Finance Committee,
staff believes it important to reiterate the basis for constraining additional expenses. It was unusual for
staff to recommend a budget with discretionary spending while also projecting a deficit in outer years;
however, this recommendation took into consideration a number of known variables that could cushion
economic volatility in the years ahead. Furthermore, the nearly $8 million in new activities (versus the
$2.25 million anticipated by staff) will impact organizational capacity to accomplish already established
priorities.
Staff therefore recommends the Finance Committee and City Council to further prioritize their
recommended focus areas. Options to support further prioritization are presented in this report. It
should also be noted that a benefit of conservative budgeting for the past several years has been
furthering the City’s commitment to addressing long-term infrastructure and pension liabilities.
1 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/administrative-services/city-budgets/fy-2024-city-
budget/proposed/municipal-fee-schedule-amendments-fy24.pdf
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
During budget deliberations on May 5 and 9, the Finance Committee completed a detailed review of the
FY 2024 Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and Municipal Fee Schedule. Public comment was
incorporated at each service area to provide opportunities for community input in the decision-making
process. The Finance Committee reviewed individual budget sections by Department for tentative
approval of the budget, potential amendments, and requests for additional information to aid in their
review. This report provides the status of the Finance Committee’s review for further discussion and
feedback from the full City Council focusing on the recommended amendments to the Proposed
Budgets transmitted at the May 1, 2023 City Council Meeting. The Finance Committee will reconvene on
May 30 (Budget Wrap-up) to finalize recommended amendments to the Proposed Operating and Capital
Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule. These amendments will be included at the June 19 City Council
meeting for budget adoption.
As a reminder, the FY 2024 Proposed Budget pivots from the COVID-19 pandemic recovery period and
into a steadier state or “new normal”. The proposed budget uses a two-year balancing strategy that
leverages one-time surplus funding to bridge shortfalls in FY 2024 and FY 2025 while continuing to invest
in priority services, infrastructure, and savings for long-term liabilities. Going into FY 2024, the City
continues to rebound from pandemic-related losses; however, staff remains cautious of mixed economic
indicators that suggest potential economic risk. Staff sought to provide a budget that proposes a
measured approach to using one-time surplus, setting aside a higher BSR reserve, and limiting ongoing
costs to mitigate the potential for exacerbating future deficits.
In order to balance the Council’s significant list of objectives for 2023, staff set aside $2.25 million for
the City Council to prioritize and allocate as part of this budget process. This is a deviation from prior
years where the proposed budget was balanced within $250,000 to $700,000 leaving little room for net
new expenditures and requiring greater prioritization by the Council during the budget process.
To support this significant level of funding for Council allocation, staff provided a list of options to aid in
allocation of these funds. A complete list, referred to as “Tier 2” proposals, was transmitted in the FY
2024 Proposed Operating Budget Transmittal Letter Attachment C. An additional layout of this list was
provided at the request of the Committee at places1F
2 and is attached to this report for ease of reference
(Attachment A) indicating the status of proposals as 'Tentatively Recommended' or placed in the
'Parking Lot' for further consideration. Staff anticipated expenses totaling $2.25 million.
The nearly $8 million of additional expenses tentatively recommended will require additional support
resources, both administrative and programmatic. It also increases exposure to economic volatility. It
was unusual for a staff to recommend a budget that reflects a deficit in the outer years – in this case -a
$6.2 million deficit in FY 2026. However, this recommendation took into consideration the opportunities
and challenges that may materialize ahead and managed these risks accordingly. Some variables
considered include:
2https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/administrative-services/city-budgets/fy-24-
proposed/2023-council-priorities-objectives.pdf
- Higher reserve levels and/or surplus funds at year end can provide cushion should economic
trends reverse or serve as a bridge to stabilize volatility should deficits materialize.
- Expected contract negotiations may negatively impact the forecasted deficit in FY 2026 with
higher than forecasted costs.
- Council could choose to change the natural gas equity transfer (measure L) in future years to help
cure future deficits.
As outlined in the tentative recommendations made by the Finance Committee, staff agree with the
Committee that the variables outlined in their recommended adjustment to sources of funds are based
in fact. However, fully allocating these funds for programs and services increases the City’s volatility risk
exposure to an uncomfortable level. This works counter to a key principle of this FY 2024 Proposed
Budget, to continue to stabilize the organization enabling focus on critical priorities, versus change
management driven by volatility.
1) SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FY 2024 PROPOSED BUDGET
Below is a comprehensive summary of recommended balancing actions either at the recommendation
of the Finance Committee or additional adjustments at the behest of staff.
As noted above, staff reiterates the basis for limited additional expenses through the proposed
balancing strategy of $2.25 million in additional Council priority funding, recognizing limited
organizational capacity, budget constraints, and continued unknows that exist. Additional options to
consider include:
•The Council could revisit priorities not funded as part of the FY 2024 Mid-Year Budget review and
the FY 2025 budget process.
•Should the Council be interested in discussing options to funding Council priorities at something
greater than $2.25 million but less than $8 million, staff will be prepared to support this
discussion.
Scaling back would not result in these important objectives from being delivered. As noted, Council can
revisit these focus areas as part of the FY 2024 Mid-Year Budget review and the FY 2025 budget process.
This table is followed by more detailed information for:
a) Finance Committee Tentatively Recommended Adjustments and Revised Balancing Strategy,
and
b) Additional Staff Recommended Adjustments.
Table 1: Summary of Tentative Revisions to the FY 2024 Proposed Budget
$'s in thousands
Proposed Revenue & Reserves:$274,944
Revenue Adjustments
Finance Committee Tentative Adjustments to Proposed Budget
Measure K Housing and Homeless Services 750
FY 2023 projected additional surplus funds 4,000
Gas Equity Transfer increase to 18% (from 15.5%) - Begin FY 2025, approx $1M additional revenue annually
FY23 & FY24 Homekey Operations Savings (to be reallocated to CIP project gap)2,000
Finance Committee Tentative Adjustments Subtotal $6,750
Staff Additional Recommended Adjustments to Proposed Budget
None
Total Revenue Adjustments $6,750 $281,694
Proposed Expense:$274,944
Expense Adjustments
Finance Committee Tentative Adjustments to Proposed Budget
Investments from Tier 2 Organized by Council Priority
- Economic Recovery and Transition 395
- Climate Change & Natural Environment: Protection & Adaptation 1,460
- Housing for Social & Economic Balance (incld. CIP gap for Homekey project)2,750
- Community Health & Safety 1,427
- Other Enhancements 1,740
Eliminate "Council Priorities Reserve"(2,250)
Finance Committee Tentative Adjustments Subtotal $5,522
Staff Additional Recommended Adjustments to Proposed Budget
Investments from Tier 2 Administrative Support Needs
- Legal Support (staff and/or equivalent outside counsel)360
- Procurement Support (staff)200
- Recruitment Support (staff and hourly)277
Technical Adjustment
Staffing realignment for S/CAP
(delete 2.0 Sr. Engineer and Prin. Resource Planner, add 1.0 Assist. Director)-
Staff Recommended Adjustments Subtotal $837
Total Expense Adjustments $6,359 $281,303
Revised
Expense
FY 2024 General Fund
Revised
Revenue
a) Finance Committee Tentatively Recommended Adjustments
The summary tables below reflect the tentatively recommended adjustments and items in the Parking
Lot for further consideration. Tier 2 proposals are identified with “T2” at the beginning of the title. More
information and further descriptions for the recommended changes and parking lot items are outlined
in this memorandum for reference.
Adjusting for tentatively recommended changes, the FY 2026 shortfall is expected to increase from $6.2
million to $8.8 million. This adjusted deficit does not contemplate items in the Parking Lot, or any
further investments through budget amendments approved by the City Council, or the FY 2025
Proposed Budget. For example, the Council has approved over $600,000 of budget amendments in FY
2023 in the General Fund (excluding Mid-Year Budget actions). Further, it does not contemplate costs
for significant projects that are on the horizon but don’t have confirmed timelines or costs. A complete
list of these “known/unknown” projects is available in the FY 2024 – FY 2033 Long Range Financial
Forecast (LRFF) (CMR 2301-07532F
3, Attachment A), and includes items such as the Parks Master Plan,
Racial Equity Work, Cubberley Community Center Concept Plan, and new labor agreements beginning in
FY 2026.
For demonstrative purposes, if the adjusted deficit of $8.8 million were resolved on a one-time basis in
FY 2026 using the BSR, this would result in a BSR level of 16.9%, below the 18.5% target by $6.4 million.
Using one-time reserves to fund ongoing expenses could put the City in a more unsustainable financial
situation.
Table 2: Full List of Tentative Recommendations by Finance Committee
Dept GENERAL FUND – Tentatively Recommended
Adjustments to the FY 2024 Proposed Budget
FY 2024 FY 2025 Ongoing
NON Beginning Balance – City Council Priorities Reserve
(2 years) & LRFF (Ongoing)
$2,250,000 $2,250,000 $(6,200,000)
NON Measure K Housing and Homeless Services*750,000 800,000 800,000
NON FY23 Surplus Major Tax Revenues 2,500,000 --
NON FY23 Vacancy Savings ($1-2M)1,500,000 --
NON Gas Equity Transfer from 15.5% to 18.0% in FY25 -1,000,000 1,000,000
NON FY23 & FY24 HomeKey Operations Savings**2,000,000 --
Subtotal Sources (Revenue)$9,000,000 $4,050,000 $1,800,000
Economic Recovery & Transition (ERT)
CMO T2: Economic Development Assistant (145,000)(145,000)(145,000)
CMO T2: Car Free Streets (250,000)(250,000)(250,000)
Subtotal ERT (395,000)(395,000)(395,000)
3 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=1067
Climate Change & The Natural Environment (CC&NE)
PWD
UTL
T2: Sustainability & Climate Action Plan (S/CAP)
Studies (inc. Electric Vehicle and
Reliability/Resiliency Strategic Plans)
(600,000)--
PWD
UTL
T2: Sea Level Rise and Adaptation Plan (200,000)(200,000)(200,000)
PDS T2: Bird Safe Glass/Wildlife Protection (75,000)--
OOT T2: Transportation Modes and Staffing (185,000)(196,000)(196,000)
PWD T2: Full Electric Vehicle Fleet Replacement (50%)
(modified from original Tier 2 proposal)
(400,000)(400,000)(400,000)
Subtotal CC&NE (1,460,000)(796,000)(796,000)
Housing for Social & Economic Balance (HS&EB)
PDS T2: Regulate Short-term Rentals*
(new program to seek fee recovery ongoing)
(100,000)(100,000)(100,000)
PDS T2: San Antonio Coordinated Area Plan (CAP)*
(each CAP $2M, CalPoly concept draft in FY24)
(Modified from original Tier 2 proposal)
(50,000)(700,000)(700,000)
CMO T2: LifeMoves Construction Homekey Facilities (PE-
24005)**
(2,500,000)--
CMO T2: Unhoused Residence Services*(100,000)--
Subtotal HS&EB (2,750,000)(800,000)(800,000)
Community Health & Safety (CH&S)
CSD T2: Youth Mental Health Programs (200,000)--
PDS T2: Seismic Upgrade (additional funding)(75,000)--
PWD T2: Airport Noise Reduction (100,000)--
LIB T2: Library Hours
(Modified from original Tier 2 proposal)
(145,000)(145,000)(145,000)
CSD T2: Eucalyptus Tree Removal (400,000)--
CSD T2: Therapeutics Recreation Program (90,000)(95,000)(95,000)
POL T2: Public Safety Dispatcher Staffing (267,000)(285,000)(285,000)
Subtotal CH&S (1,277,000)(525,000)(525,000)
Enhance Services and Non-Tier 2
CSD T2: Art Center Visitor Staffing (113,000)(113,000)(113,000)
FIR T2: Fire Utility Task Vehicle (67,000)(10,000)(10,000)
PDS T2: Zoning Code Update (3 years at $1.5M)(500,000)(500,000)(500,000)
PDS T2: Permitting and Inspections Operations (115,000)(115,000)(115,000)
CSD HSRAP (reflects HRC max requested funding,
ongoing costs contingent on potential referral)
(150,000)(150,000)(150,000)
CSD
PWD
Cubberley Facility Maintenance and Upkeep (900,000)(900,000)(900,000)
NON Neighbors Abroad (20,000)(20,000)(20,000)
OOT Palo Alto Transportation Management Authority
(PATMA) Citywide Expansion
(25,000)(25,000)(25,000)
Subtotal Enhanced Services & Non-Tier 2 (1,890,000)(1,833,000)(1,833,000)
Subtotal Uses (Expense)$(7,772,000)$(4,349,000)$(4,349,000)
Potential Fund Remaining (Deficit)/Surplus $1,228,000 $(299,000)$(8,749,000)
* Measure K revenues for Housing and Homeless Services are expected at $750,000 (FY24), $1.5M (FY25), and $3.0M ongoing.
These funds have been recognized to the extent that eligible expenses are recommended: San Antonio Coordinated Area Plan
(CAP), short-term rentals, unhoused resident services, and partial funding for LifeMoves construction (PE-24005)
** Project Homekey operations savings in FY23 and FY24 are expected to fund related LifeMoves construction costs
Through their discussions, the Finance Committee also put several items in the “Parking Lot” that were
not tentatively approved as adjustments to the FY 2024 Proposed Budget – this is discussed in greater
detail in section 2 of this report “Finance Committee Parking Lot Items for Further Consideration”.
Additional details on the actions in Table 2 above.
Tentatively Recommended Adjustments: Revenues
During budget deliberations, the Finance Committee recommended several adjustments to increase
revenue estimates, including recognizing unallocated Measure K (Business Tax) funds, projected surplus
in FY 2023 due to excess tax revenues and vacancy savings, and unspent funding for operations in FY
2023 and FY 2024 for Project HomeKey. Additionally, the Finance Committee recommended an increase
in the calculation for the Gas Equity Transfer from 15% to 18% beginning in FY 2025. Overall, these
adjustments increased the starting balance from the $2.25 million assumed for the City Council Priority
Reserve to $9.0 million in FY 2024.
Measure K (Business Tax) for Housing and Homeless Services
The Finance Committee recommended that staff recognize $750,000 for Measure K funds that remain
unallocated in FY 2024 for housing and homeless services. This revenue source is recommended to
offset related expenditures tentatively recommended for San Antonio Coordinated Area Plan (CAP),
short-term rental regulation, unhoused residence services, and partial funding for the LifeMoves
construction project. The FY 2024 Proposed Budget assumes estimates for the new business tax
(Measure K) approved by voters in the November 2022 ballot to fund public safety, affordable housing
and homeless services, and transportation and grade separation. The proposed tax is expected to be
phased in over the next several years at approximately 30% for each focus area, reaching approximately
$9.6 million in annual receipts over 35 years.
FY 2024 is the first year in which this tax will be collected and assumes receipts of $750,000 in the
Operating Budget for public safety services, and $750,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund for
transportation and grade separation projects: Meadow Drive/Charleston Road (PL-24000) and Churchill
Avenue (PL-24001). An additional $750,000 is expected for affordable housing and homeless services
that remains unallocated in the proposed budget. Overall, Measure K revenues for housing and
homeless services are expected to be phased-in at $750,000 in FY 2024, $1.5M in FY 2025, and $3.0M
ongoing. These revenues have been recognized to the extent that the Finance Committee tentatively
recommended a qualifying expense.
FY 2023 Projected Surplus: Excess Tax Revenues and Vacancy Savings
At the Budget Overview Study Session on May 1, the City Council requested that staff provide updated
financial projections. Staff provided this follow-up in the staff presentation for Item #1 and the At-Places
memo on May 5. Staff estimates that major tax receipts may exceed budget estimates up to $9.0 million
in FY 2023. Almost 75% of the estimated surplus ($6.5 million) is already included in the FY 2024
Proposed Balancing Strategy; this lower level of funding aligns with a moderately conservative approach
to consider economic uncertainties that may impact tax receipts in the near-term. The difference of $2.5
million is recommended by the Finance Committee to be recognized as additional revenue, adjusting
revenue assumptions to recognize the full $9.0 million in potential surplus.
As of May 2023, the vacancy rate for the General Fund is 11.6%. Vacancy savings from Public Safety
positions are typically exhausted by uses such as backfill, hire ahead programs, and overtime. Adjusting
for Public Safety, the General Fund has a vacancy rate of 8.3% and budgeted vacancy savings of
approximately 3%. Consistent with recent years, staff projects $1-2 million in savings above budget
estimates. This amount is lower than the General Fund vacancy rate of 8.3% (excluding Public Safety) as
compared to budgetary estimates of approximately 3% due to departmental uses of vacancy savings for
other staffing strategies, such as filling staffing gaps by contracting for professional services, hiring
ahead for technical positions to allow overlap and smooth transitions, piloting new technologies to
increase efficiency in the absence of staff, and supporting a summer internship program. The use of
these potential savings may impact staffing strategies in progress or expected throughout the remainder
of the fiscal year. Additionally, use of these funds may reduce expense savings that would otherwise be
used in accordance with the Budget Stabilization Reserve (BSR) policy to fund Capital Improvement
projects and the City’s long-term pension obligations. Of the $1 to 2 million in savings projected, the
Finance Committee recommends recognizing $1.5 million.
Historically, the use of one-time funds has been used to support capital improvement projects and
prefund long-term pension liabilities. Recognizing these funds will preempt this policy and limit the
contributions to these long-term investments.
- Since establishment of the Pension Trust in 2017, a total of $21.6 million ($16.4 million in the
General Fund) has been made to using one-time funds, bringing expected contributions from
$45.9 million to $67.5 million through FY 2024. Additional information on historical
contributions to the Pension Trust is available in the May 9 At-places memo.
- Over the past ten years, beginning in FY 2012, the General Fund has contributed year-end
surplus savings above the 18.5% BSR level of $46.4 million to support the Capital Improvement
Fund. This funding has been vital in ensuring the City is able to complete priority capital projects
such as the 2014 Council Infrastructure Plan projects as well as addressing maintenance and
upkeep needs to City facilities and infrastructure.
Gas Equity Transfer (FY 2025 and beyond)
In accordance with Measure L, the Equity Transfer from the Gas Utility Fund can be up to 18% of annual
gross gas retail revenue; however, the City Council has the discretion to set the transfer at a lower
percent of revenue. For FY 2024 a rate of 15.5% is recommended which generates a transfer of $7.7
million from the Gas Utility Fund to the General Fund, representing an increase of $0.5 million, or 6.9%,
over prior year levels. Beginning in FY 2025, the Finance Committee tentatively recommended
increasing this rate to 18%, which will increase the transfer by at least $1.0 million annually. The Equity
Transfer from the Gas Utility Fund will be reassessed as part of the development of the FY 2025 budget
process.
FY 2023 and FY 2024 Unspent Operations Funding – Project Homekey
As part of the FY 2023 Adopted Budget, the City Council committed $1.0 million per year over seven
years (through FY 2029) to partner with LifeMoves in developing a modular interim housing shelter to
serve over 200 individuals annually with on-site support services. Once the shelter is complete, this
funding is expected to offset a portion of annual operating expenses; however, since no expenses will
occur in FY 2023 the Finance Committee recommended that staff proactively recognize the $1.0 million
in unspent funds in FY 2023 and transfer them to the Homekey Facilities capital project (PE-24005) in FY
2024. PE-24005 will be used to fund the City’s portion of the capital costs to build the shelter, which is
estimated at $4.5 million. As part of the FY 2024 Capital Budget, PE-24005 only had $2.0 million. In order
to fully fund the project at $4.5 million, $1.0 million of operations saving from FY 2023, $1.0 million of
operating savings from FY 2024, and $0.5 million from Measure K Revenue is recommended to be
transferred to PE-24005 to relocate the GreenWaste facility and build the interim housing shelter. To
maintain the City’s commitment of $1.0 million for shelter operations over seven years, staff will update
the next Long Range Financial Forecast to fund the total $7.0 million with $1.0 million annually in FY
2025 through FY 2031.
Tentatively Recommended Adjustments: Tier 2 Proposals
During budget deliberations, the Finance Committee tentatively recommended the addition of over
twenty Tier 2 proposals, adding $6.7 million ($3.3 million ongoing) to advance City Council priority
objectives. The Finance Committee recommended most objectives as originally proposed in the FY 2024
Proposed Budget Transmittal Letter; therefore, this section only includes further discussion for modified
proposals. A complete list is included in Attachment A, indicating the status of proposals as 'Tentatively
Recommended' or placed in the 'Parking Lot' for further consideration.
Full Restoration of Library Hours & Services (Library Hours Only)
The Finance Committee provided direction to modify the Tier 2 proposal for “Full Restoration of Library
Hours & Services” to tentatively recommend $145,000 to extend hours and place the remaining
$261,000 for programming in the Parking Lot. This change will fund an additional 1.0 FTE Senior
Librarian position to increase open hours at the Children’s Library branch by offering an additional sixth
open day per week on Mondays. This represents an increase from five open days per week at the
Children's, Downtown, and College Terrace Libraries, and seven open days per week at the Mitchell Park
and Rinconada Libraries. Annual open hours are expected to increase from 12,688 to 13,104 and bring
open hours closer to the pre-pandemic level of 13,520.
San Antonio Coordinated Area Plan (CAP)
The Finance Committee provided direction to modify the Tier 2 proposal “Construct preliminary
schedule for starting new coordinated area plans for San Antonio Road, California Ave, Downtown, and
El Camino Real” to begin with the San Antonio Road CAP. The committee also modified the funding
strategy to begin in FY 2024 with $50,000 and directed staff to explore a potential collaboration
opportunity with California Polytechnic State University students to draft a working concept of a San
Antonio coordinated area plan. This initial funding will support related travel, research, consultant
and/or part-time staff for these efforts. The working concept is a starting point for the larger CAP
process, which is still estimated at $700,000 over three to four years, although the ultimate cost of each
plan will depend on size and complexity.
Full Electric Vehicle Fleet Replacement (50%)
The Finance Committee provided direction to modify the Tier 2 proposal for “Full Electric Vehicle
Replacement” to tentatively recommend 50% implementation and place the remaining 50% in the
Parking Lot for further consideration. Funding of $1.3 million ($0.4 million from the General Fund) will
allow staff to replace nearly all the vehicles and equipment with electric vehicles in the Scheduled
Vehicle and Equipment Replacement - FY 2024 capital project (VR-24000). Four police pursuit-rated
vehicles will be replaced with hybrid vehicles rather than electric vehicles, and some vehicles will be
deferred to future years to be replaced as funding for fleet electrification is phased in and electric
vehicles become more widely available. Transfers from the General Fund and applicable Enterprise
Funds to the Vehicle Maintenance and Replacement Fund will fund these additional costs to maintain
fiscal health in the 5-year CIP. This will be an ongoing investment, with additional funding phased in, at
the discretion of the City Council and availability of electric vehicles for fleet replacement needs.
Art Center Visitor or Installation Staffing
During budget deliberations, the Finance Committee considered funding one of two Tier 2 proposals for
the Art Center: “Art Center Program Visitor Services Staffing” or “Palo Alto Art Center Exhibit Art
Installation Crew”. At the May 9 meeting, the Finance Committee reviewed an alternative proposal from
the Community Services Department that would partially fund both the Art Program Visitor Services
Staffing and Art Center Program Installation Crew Tier 2 proposals, which was brought forward in an At
Places Memo. The Committee decided to not move forward with the alternative proposal in their
tentative recommendation but gave the department direction to select either initial proposal based on
the greater departmental need, to Council as a part FY 2024 budget process.
In response, the Community Services Department has modified its alternative proposal for further
consideration to add one Program Assistant I (0.75 FTE for the Art Center Visitor Staffing, a benefitted
position) and add three staff specialists (0.27 FTE for the Art Center Installation Crew) to reduce the
total cost and restore funding to both service areas. This modification reduces the alternative proposal
cost to approximately $124,000 annually from $171,000. In addition, the increased hours of operation
for the Art Center are anticipated to generate $10,000 in additional revenue annually. Although this
partial restoration for the Art Center Installation Staffing is not expected to provide support for the
Public Art Program, it will enhance the quality of services for the Art Programming while efficiently
managing City resources.
Other Tentatively Recommended Adjustments
During Budget deliberations, the Finance Committee tentatively recommended $1.1 million in FY 2024
and ongoing for several adjustments not related to Tier 2 proposals. These adjustments are discussed
below.
Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) (reflects Human Relations Commission (HRC)
maximum requested funding)
The Finance Committee tentatively recommended allocating an additional $150,000 in funding to HSRAP
in addition to an increase of $50,000 which was already a part of the FY 2024 Proposed Budget. This will
increase the total HSRAP allocation by $200,000 for a total of $851,035 in FY 2024 and augment HSRAP
funding for FY 2025 by $200,000. The HRC has outlined spending plans (up to $200,000) if additional
funds for HSRAP are appropriated during FY 2024 budget process. The contingency plan was approved
on April 27, 2023, by the HRC3F
4.
Neighbors Abroad
A recommendation was made through public comment to add $20,000 in FY 2024 and ongoing as a
reimbursable stipend for the Neighbors Abroad non-profit to support Palo Alto’s nine sister city
relationships. The non-profit supports economic development through bringing delegates from the
sister cities to Palo Alto, manages student exchanges, encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
by supporting businesses in Palo Alto aligned with sister cities, and facilitates sustainability through
projects like carbon offset in Oaxaca and rainwater capture in Yaxe. The Finance Committee tentatively
recommended adding $20,000 annually to reimburse the non-profit for costs to host and entertain
visiting delegations.
Palo Alto Transportation Management Authority (PATMA) Geographic Expansion
The Finance Committee requested information regarding the ability of the PATMA to provide services
outside the downtown area. The FY 2024 Proposed Budget funds $200,000 in the University Avenue
Parking Fund for the PATMA to reduce the number of single occupancy commuters in the downtown
area by providing program administration services including but not limited to outreach, transit pass
distribution, and transit pass monitoring. The University Avenue Parking Funds are limited by policy to
services in the downtown business district. In order to expand the PATMA services citywide in FY 2024
and ongoing, the Finance Committee tentatively agreed with the staff recommendation to maintain the
total amount of the contract with PATMA; however, $25,000 of the contract would be funded from the
General Fund to cover the administrative costs for work beyond downtown.
Cubberley Facility Maintenance and Upkeep
The Finance Committee requested information about operating and maintenance costs that are funded
in the Cubberley Property Infrastructure Fund. The FY 2024 Proposed Budget funds approximately $0.9
million for operating and maintenance related salaries and benefits and contractual services to support
the 35-acre site with 180,000 square feet of building space comprised of 19 wings of classroom spaces,
two gymnasiums, a pavilion, and a theater. Pursuant to Section 8 of the 7/1/2020 Cubberley lease
agreement, the City’s maintenance obligations for both the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD)
owned and City owned portions of Cubberley include all interior and exterior work and common areas of
the property. The lease requires PAUSD to reimburse their pro rata share (53.12%) of these costs to the
City. Below is an abbreviated table of FY 2024 Budget allocations related to Cubberley:
4 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=1398&type=2
Table 3: Summary of FY 2024 Proposed Budget for Cubberley
FY 2024 Proposed Budget
$ in thousands
General
Fund
Cubberley
Infrastructure
Fund - Ops
Cubberley
Infrastructure
Fund – Capital Total
Revenue
Transfer from General Fund $1,864 $1,864
PAUSD Reimbursement $1,553 $1,553
Rental Income
(short and long-term tenants)
$2,795 $2,795
Revenue Total $2,795 $0 $3,417 $6,212
Expense
Salaries & Benefits $980 $707 $47 $1,733
Contract Services $24 $118 $4,039 $4,181
Other Expense $38 $39 $76
Utilities (& allocated charges)$788 $788
Cubberley Lease $3,489 $3,489
Landscaping $59 $59
Transfer to Cubberley Infrastructure Fund $1,864 $1,864
Total Expense $7,182 $922 $4,086 $12,190
Expense net transfer to Cubberley Infrastructure Fund $10,326
As part of the FY 2018 Adopted Operating Budget, the City Council approved shifting 1.50 FTE Facilities
Technician positions and associated contract and supply costs ($0.4 million) from the General Fund to
the Cubberley Property Infrastructure Fund to consolidate facilities operations and maintenance
activities in the Cubberley Fund. A portion of the savings from this shift ($44,000) was used to increase
funding for HSRAP. These positions perform a wide range of facilities services tasks including
maintenance and standard repair of plumbing, electrical, and heating and ventilation systems and
equipment. In addition to maintaining these systems, these positions coordinate maintenance tasks
including routine drywall installation and repair, window replacement, and painting interior and exterior
finishes, as needed. Lastly, these positions manage contractors for various services such as fire alarm
and sprinkler inspections, testing, and repair, elevator maintenance, parking lot sweeping, and a variety
of on call needs for non-routine repairs.
The remainder of the operating and maintenance costs ($0.3 million) were shifted from the General
Fund to the Cubberley Maintenance Fund in FY 2019 as part of CMR 99254F
5. This implemented direction
from the City Council to find $4.0 million in General Fund savings to fund a $4.0 million transfer to the
Pension 115 Trust Fund in FY 2019. These positions perform a variety of daily tasks like custodial work
such as sweeping, vacuuming, and polishing floors, furniture, and woodwork and cleaning restrooms,
washing windows, and replenishing supplies throughout the facility. In addition, these positions assure
the facilities are secured daily by turning off lights and locking doors and windows, set up rooms for
5https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-
reports-cmrs/year-archive/2018/9925.pdf
meetings, and maintain a log of observed facility deficiencies to prepare service call requests. This
funding is also used to cover the costs of landscaping services at Cubberley. The landscaping contract for
the City is managed by the Community Services Department and the costs are allocated citywide as part
of the cost allocation plan.
Since FY 2019, the overall operating and maintenance costs at Cubberley have increased from $0.7
million annually to $0.9 million in FY24, an average of 5% per year, mainly due to the increase of Salary
and Benefit costs. The Finance Committee tentatively recommended shifting the $0.9 million for
operating and maintenance related costs from the Cubberley Property Infrastructure Fund to the
General Fund in FY 2024 and ongoing. This action is intended to preserve funding in the Cubberley
Property Infrastructure Fund for capital related expenses at the Cubberley property.
b) Additional Staff Recommended Adjustments
In addition to the tentative adjustments outlined by the Finance Committee, staff recommends
adjustments for several items requiring technical corrections to align the budget with anticipated
activity levels and changes that occurred following the release of the FY 2024 budget:
Administrative and Program Support for Finance Committee Recommended Adjustments
At the May 5 and 9 meetings, the Finance Committee tentatively approved significant additions of
expenses and staffing. These represent new programs, complex projects, and ambitious service
enhancements. This work will require administrative support to implement and execute. Staff
recommends the following adjustments to assist in the administration of services to the community as
recommended for addition by the Finance Committee. It is also likely that additional program staffing
may be needed to support the increased number of active projects in limited areas such as planning.
Table 4: Support Staffing to Align with Tentative Recommendations
Department Position/Service Adjustment
General Fund
Cost
Administrative
Services
Purchasing support (1.00 FTE Contract Administrator) $200,000
City Attorney’s Office Legal support (1.25 FTE Assistant City Attorney or
equivalent outside counsel resources)
$360,000
Human Resources Recruitment support Tier 2 & Organization Need (1.00
Senior Human Resources Administrator and two 0.48
FTE Management Specialists)
$277,000
TOTAL $837,000
The above list represents a minimum of staff’s recommended restorations of administrative and internal
support functions that includes a variety of work to ensure that operations remain in compliance with
state and federal regulations; the City’s Charter and Municipal Code; health and safety guidelines and
directives; and, through recruitment, that staffing levels are maintained for all of these requirements to
be met. Administrative support is critical in ensuring the ability to deliver frontline services across the
organization.
-Administrative Services: The procurement team is instrumental to the beginning of most of
these investments, supporting the public solicitation process for professional services and
capital investment. Therefore, an additional resource of 1.00 FTE Contract Administrator will
allow for capacity to address the Finance Committee‘s tentatively recommended actions. Staff
already have a recruitment underway for this position classification, which would be used to fill
this position more quickly, and aid in the ability to support the procurement needs related to
the Tier 2 items.
-City Attorney’s Office: Depending on project timelines, the proposed Tier 2 items will require an
additional 1.0 to 1.25 FTE attorney or the equivalent in outside counsel resources. The Zoning
Code update and San Antonio Coordinated Area Plan/Concept Plan will require significant legal
support. Short Term Rental Regulations and Airport Noise will also require added resources. Tier
2 items will progress in the same timeframe as implementation of the Housing Element, which
will require very significant legal support for the next 18-24 months.
-Human Resources: Human Resources recommends the continuation of two 0.48 FTE
Management Specialists, currently funded by full-time recruitment position vacancies. These
Management Specialists will support the recruitment efforts for the Finance Committee’s
tentatively recommended actions; however, once the full-time recruitment positions are filled,
the Management Specialist positions will no longer be needed. Staff also acknowledges that the
Committee and Council have identified a desire to increase the pace at which vacancies can be
filled and a 1.00 FTE Senior Human Resources Administrator is recommended to aid this. Each
recruiter can support on average 30 recruitments, and this additional staff could provide
capacity to support more recruitments simultaneously.
OTHER FUNDS
Various Utility Funds
Sustainability & Climate Action Plan Staffing Realignment
Staff recommends a realignment of staffing to oversee the S/CAP staffing resources to better support
this Council priority and the upcoming three-year workplan. Recently, the Council approved the
addition of two staff positions, 1.0 Senior Engineer and 1.0 Principal Resource Planner in the Public
Works and Utility Departments. Staff recommends the elimination of these positions offset by the
addition of 1.0 Assistant Director in the Public Works Department. This will consolidate and unify
resources between these departments. There is no impact to the General Fund as this staffing is funded
by various utility funds and is expected to result in some savings overall. If approved, staff would adjust
the Table or Organization authorized staffing levels to align with this action.
Various Other Funds
Several of the tentatively recommended items in the General Fund have impacts to other funds.
This table outlines the adjustments needed in other funds to balance the transactions across all funds
citywide that are currently tentatively recommended by the Finance Committee. Pending further
adjustments, staff will make these technical adjustments to align with the direction of the Council and
Committee as part of the documents for Budget adoption in June. Examples of these types of clean-up
transactions will include but are not limited to:
- Transferring General Fund operating savings of $2.0 million to the Capital Improvement fund to
reallocate for the Homekey Facilities capital project (PE-24005)
- Increasing funding in the Vehicle and Maintenance Fund to fund the additional cost of electric
vehicle replacement ($1.3 million) and allocating $0.9 million to funds other than the General
Fund that use the vehicles
Capital and Enterprise Funds
Reappropriations and Technical Adjustments to Capital Projects
Staff is currently working on the second round of capital reappropriations to recommend shifting
unspent funds in capital projects from FY 2023 to FY 2024. These recommended reappropriations will be
included as recommended adjustments to the FY 2024 Capital Budget as part of the Council Adoption
staff report on June 19. In addition to the reappropriations, several technical adjustments may be
needed to some capital projects based on actions that happen at the end of FY 2023. These technical
adjustments, if any will also be included as recommended adjustments to the FY 2024 Capital Budget as
part of the Council Adoption staff report on June 19.
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Review of the FY 2024 Stormwater Management Fund
Budget
On April 6, 2023, the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee met to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024
proposed Stormwater Management Fund budget and compared it with the provisions of the Storm
Water Management Fee approved by Palo Alto property owners in 2017. The Committee concurred that
funding generated by the Storm Water Management Fee will be applied solely to fund the capital
improvement projects, green stormwater infrastructure projects, innovative stormwater projects,
enhanced maintenance of storm drain system, and storm water quality protection programs specified
for implementation in the ballot measure in Fiscal Year 2024. The Committee submitted a letter
(Attachment B) for the Finance Committee and City Council’s review.
Planning and Transportation Commission Review of the New Projects in the 2024-2028 Capital
Improvement Plan
On May 10, 2023, the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) reviewed the 22 new projects in
the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan for each of the project’s compliance with the City’s 2030
Comprehensive Plan. The Commission determined that all 22 projects are in compliance with the
Comprehensive Plan and submitted a Letter of Conformance (Attachment C) for the Finance Committee
and the City Council’s review.
2. FINANCE COMMITTEE “PARKING LOT” ITEMS FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION
During budget hearings, the Finance Committee moved items to the ‘Parking Lot’ for further
consideration. This section outlines those items and provides additional information requested by the
Finance Committee and/or provided at staff’s behest regarding the items in the parking lot. These items
are listed below for additional consideration by the City Council as potential adjustments to the budget.
Table 5: Finance Committee “Parking Lot” Items
Dept GENERAL FUND: Parking Lot Items for Consideration FY 2024
(Cost)/Savings
Ongoing
(Cost)/Saving
NON Unspent City Council Contingency 125,000 -
Subtotal Sources (Revenue)$125,000 -
CSD HSRAP (inc. from HRC max based on GF)(150,000)(150,000)
CSD T2: Volunteer Coordinator for JMZ (105,000)(110,000)
LIB T2: Library Programs (261,000)(261,000)
PWD T2: Cypress Lane Alley Improvements (400,000)(20,000)
PWD T2: Full Electric Vehicle Fleet Replacement (100%)(400,000)(400,000)
PWD T2: Community Engagement Quarterly Newsletter (100,000)(100,000)
Subtotal Sources (Expense)$(1,416,000)$(1,041,000)
Potential Funds Remaining (Deficit)/Surplus $(1,291,000)$(1,041,000)
Unspent City Council Contingency
The FY 2024 Proposed Budget includes a City Council Contingency of $125,000 for allocation at the City
Council’s discretion. At the conclusion of budget hearings on May 5 and 9, this amount remains unspent
and available for use.
Full Restoration of Library Hours & Services (Library Programming Only)
The Finance Committee provided direction to modify the Tier 2 proposal for “Full Restoration of Library
Hours & Services” to tentatively recommend $145,000 to extend hours and place the remaining
$261,000 for programming in the Parking Lot. The allocation of $261,000 will enable the hiring of two
additional full-time Librarian positions, significantly expanding the breadth of services tailored to
community needs. This investment is designed to enhance collaboration with local organizations and
stakeholders, reinforcing the library's role as a community nexus. In response to urgent mental health
needs, the Library Department will forge partnerships with local entities to roll out wellness initiatives
for all ages, placing particular emphasis on programs for seniors and teenagers. With Palo Alto's senior
population on the rise, the Department is committed to enhancing its services for this group, providing
recreational activities aligned with their interests and ensuring easy access to information about other
relevant resources. Moreover, this funding will facilitate increased programming at the College Terrace
and Downtown branches, transforming them into vibrant community hubs that cater to families,
seniors, and local businesses. The number of annual programs offered will increase by approximately
650, reaching the previous pre-pandemic level of 1,200 annual programs.
JMZ Volunteer Coordinator
This proposal will increase the current Volunteer Coordinator from a 0.48 FTE to a 1.00 FTE. In FY 2023,
the JMZ had 15 active volunteers who will have provided approximately 3,900 hours of community
service in areas such as zoo operations, maintenance, admission support, and Discovery Program
facilitation. The additional staffing allocation will facilitate a greater number of volunteers, up to 40,
which would provide an additional 4100 hours of volunteer time. The additional volunteers would
enhance current service areas as well as provide the opportunity to expand current programming and
bring back successful programs such as family and teen volunteering for greater community
engagement.
Full Electric Vehicle Fleet Replacement (100%)
The Finance Committee provided direction to modify the Tier 2 proposal for “Full Electric Vehicle
Replacement” to tentatively recommend 50% implementation and place the remaining 50% in the
Parking Lot for further consideration. Funding of $2.6 million ($0.8 million from the General Fund) will
allow staff to replace all the vehicles and equipment with electric vehicles in the Scheduled Vehicle and
Equipment Replacement - FY 2024 capital project (VR-24000). Transfers from the General Fund and
applicable Enterprise Funds to the Vehicle Maintenance and Replacement Fund will fund these
additional costs to maintain fiscal health in the 5-year CIP. This will be an ongoing investment, with
funding increased for full electric fleet replacement, at the discretion of the City Council and availability
of electric vehicles.
Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) (above Human Relations Commission (HRC)
maximum requested funding)
In addition to the Finance Committee’s tentative approval of $200,000 for additional HSRAP funding,
they also placed in the parking lot an additional $150,000 allocation to HSRAP, effectively bringing total
HSRAP funding to $1,051,035 for FY 2024. Currently, the HRC has only outlined spending plans for an
additional allocation of up to $200,000. If the additional $150,000 is approved by Council, staff would
need to evaluate how the additional funding would be allocated, whether it is through another RFP
process or allocating additional funds to current grantees.
Community Engagement Quarterly Mailed Newsletter
The Finance Committee discussed this proposal and asked staff for additional information to aid in their
decision. The development of a mailed newsletter acknowledges that not all residents receive
information the same way and not everyone is online. The quarterly cadence is recommended to share
timely information about City Council priorities, City service changes and City program details. The
mailed newsletter is a new initiative this year, seeking to further the City Council’s community
engagement efforts, help inform the community on City Council priorities, and offers a mix of event
details, helpful phone numbers to report issues and concerns, and connect the community together. The
newsletter is organized by City Council priority, reinforcing these important initiatives and focus. The
anticipated cost of each newsletter is estimated at $25,000, due to printing and mailing costs. Staff
continues to explore ways to reduce these costs including insertion into the Enjoy catalog, and other
cost sharing ideas. As noted at the Finance Committee meeting, including the newsletter in the utility
bills does not reach all households, is limited in space availability and does not allow for timely updates
due to the cadence of utility bill timing. Staff leverages the newsletter work, by also sharing an online
version. For reference, the inaugural mailed newsletter in digital format can be accessed online at
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Manager/Latest-News/Palo-Alto-Residential-
Newsletter-FallWinter-2022
3. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
(POTENTIAL REFERRALS)
During budget deliberations, the Finance Committee requested a more in-depth review of summary
information or topics not currently included in the FY 2024 Proposed Budget. This section outlines those
items and provides additional information.
Fire Paramedic Internship Fee Reimbursement
As part of the Municipal Fee Schedule review, the Finance Committee requested additional
information relating to the Fire Paramedic Internship fee. The Palo Alto Fire Department provides
internship opportunities for paramedics as they are required to complete a field internship before
obtaining their license by the State. Fees for this internship range between $1,000 - $2,500 in the
area. The Fire Department is able to host up to six paramedic students for their internships each
year, but typically host less than that amount due to staffing limitations. The City’s paramedic staff
must agree to act as the Field Preceptor evaluating student performance. If staff and resources are
spread thin, due to vacancies or reductions in budget, the Department elects not to accept interns.
The Firefighter Paramedic serving as the preceptor is paid a $600 stipend, which is covered by the
fee. Typically, fees are paid by the school and are incorporated into tuition for the student, although
sometimes the student pays directly. As revenue is sporadic and minimal, the Department does not
budget incoming revenue for this program. When fees are collected, they offset the unbudgeted
expense of the stipend. The fee rate currently is low cost recovery when accounting for the staff
time required to serve as the preceptor.
Staff has noted the items below for the Finance Committee consideration to recommend to the City
Council as potential referrals to staff.
Coordinated Area Plan (CAP) Process Review
On May 5, 2023, the Finance Committee referred examination of the coordinated area plan process
to the newly established housing ad hoc committee. This direction was provided in an attempt to
streamline the CAP process, given recent state mandates requiring significant housing creation in
the near future. Staff will bring forward review of the CAP process for the housing ad hoc
committee’s consideration that may ultimately improve this process.
Fee Subsidy for S/CAP
During the Finance Committee budget hearing on May 9, the Committee referred staff to provide
additional detail on a potential electrification subsidy to discount or waive electrification permitting
fees through the General Fund. As part of this discussion, the City Manager recommended that staff
include information as part of the S/CAP update staff report which is anticipated in June 2023, so no
additional referral to staff is needed at this time.
Establish HSRAP Allocation at 1% of the General Fund
During the Finance Committee budget hearing on May 5, the Committee requested to provide
additional detail regarding historical funding levels for general human services (entitlements) and
HSRAP. The At-Places Memo on May 9, 2023, provided that information and as a reference point
and total GF budgeted expenses in FY 2001 and FY 2023. This information was requested as a part
of a broader discussion regarding whether funding for Human Services and HSRAP should be pegged
to a benchmark such as the percentage of General Fund budgeted expenditures. The City currently
increases funding to Human Services and HSRAP by a CPI adjustment annually; however, no formal
policy is in place tying funding levels to a percentage of General Fund expenditures, but this topic
has been discussed on numerous occasions. The additional $150,000 in HSRAP funding proposed in
the parking lot, represents an attempt to move funding levels for Human Services and HSRAP closer
to 1% of General Fund expenditures through a graduated process over the course of several fiscal
years.
Staff is recommending deferring putting a formal funding policy for Human Services and HSRAP due
to an FY 2024 budget proposal to conduct a Human Needs Assessment Study. The study will
comprehensively examine current community needs and trends, the current scope and breadth of
services, as well as an evaluation HSRAP process itself. Once the study is completed, staff will be
able to better assess community needs and the resources required to effectively address gaps in
human services.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
This report is a study session for the City Council to review the Finance Committee’s analysis and
tentatively recommended changes to the FY 2024 Proposed Budget. No financial impacts will occur as a
result of this report; however, recommendations from this study session will inform the Finance
Committee’s final recommendations for adjustments to the FY 2024 Proposed Budget to the City Council
for adoption on June 19, 2023.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
On May 16, 2023, the City conducted a virtual Budget Informational Session with community members
to share information about the FY 2024 budget process and receive input from the community for the
City Council to consider regarding priorities and service needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined in CEQA
Guidelines, section 15378, because it has no potential for resulting in either a direct or reasonably
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Council 2023 Priority Outcomes, Revised for Tier 2 Proposals & Recommended
Status
Attachment B: Stormwater Management Oversight Review of the FY 2024 Capital Budget
Attachment C: Planning and Transportation Commission Review of the New Projects in the 2024-
2028 Capital Improvement Plan
Attachment D: Reference: Finance Committee FY 2024 Proposed Budget Review (actions &
references)
APPROVED BY:
Kiely Nose, Assistant City Manager
Lead Staff:
Paul Harper, Budget Manager & Jessie Deschamps, Budget Manager
Attachment A
2023 City Council Priorities and Objectives
Council Priority
Crossover
Estimated
Completion Attachment C: Tier 2
Ongoing Net
#/Dept. Objective Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY24 Net Cost Cost
ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND TRANSITION (ER&T)$395,000 $395,000
Support Economic Recovery and Business Transition
x x
x
x a Adopt a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy x $$145,000 $145,000 X
(CMO)
x
x
x
x
x
x
b
c
d
Implement or upgrade electronic plan review software without interruption to the permitting process (ERT 9)
Implement recommendations in Building and Permit Review Report conducted by the City Auditor
Begin stakeholder engagement and implementation of new business tax (Measure K)
x
x
x
x
xx $
$
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Focus on Commercial Corridors, Downtown and California Ave
x
x
x
x
e
f
g
Begin implementation of next phase of parklet regulations to the community (resources added via staff report)
Evaluate opportunities for New Parking Facilities in the University Ave Downtown and direct next steps (ERT 10)
Align Business Improvement District (BID) priorities and investments to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy(ERT1)
Select consultant to conduct a study that informs the development of a permanent car‐free streets ordinance (ERT 6 & 7)
x
x
x
xxh $$250,000 $250,000 X
(CMO)
x
x
x
i
j
k
Approve concept plan for University Ave streetscape and provide direction on capital project funding (ERT 5)
Extend temporary closure for car free streets (ERT 6 & 7)
Provide direction on citywide retail zoning code changes including retail preservation and neighborhood commercial district specific
regulations and CUP thresholds (ERT 4, 12, 13)
x
xx
2024
CLIMATE CHANGE & THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT (CC&NE)$ 1,930,000 $ 1,217,000
Climate Change Protection
x
x
x
l
m
n
Implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) through purchase of meters/equipment for installation(CCPA7)
Approve consultant to update Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
Approve municipal code amendments for advancing S/Cap goals (specifically facilitate photovoltaic, energy storage system, electric
vehicle charging station, and heat pump (water/furnace) installations) (CCPA1)
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
o
p
q
Approve S/CAP Update and 3‐year workplan (CCPA4)
Begin first phase construction for grid modernization and consultant resources to plan for gas transition
Install first 1,000 heat pump water heaters through the advanced pilot program and approve expanded full‐scale program
x
x
x
x
x
x
r
s
t
Approve advanced pilot program for whole residential home electrification by the end of 2023 (targeted areas)
Approve commercial rooftop HVAC electrification advanced pilot program
Accept Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan
x
x
xx $
$
$
$
$
$
200,000
200,000
200,000
$
$
$
‐
‐
‐
X
X
X
(PWD/UTL)
x
x
x
x
u Accept Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan x
x
(PWD/UTL)
v Review preliminary draft S/CAP study discussing workplan resource needs and project funding opportunities
(PWD/UTL)
x
x
2
7
Engage youth in implementation of climate change initiatives, objectives, and goals
Discuss plans for commercial dewatering requirements
x
x $$50,000 $‐
(PWD)
Climate Change Adaptation: Flood Protection
x
x
x
x
x
x
w Advance the San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) by the end of 2023, through Council’s JPA
representation and any Council approvals involved.
Secure funding and approve construction for the Newell Bridge replacement project; advocacy with State legislators educating on
project funding needs (CHS10) (Funded in FY 2024 Proposed CIP)
x
x
x
x $
$
N/A
200,000
N/A
200,0005Determine next steps for sea level rise and adaptation plan $$X
(PWD/UTL)
Natural Environment
As of 5/18/2023 1 of 4
Attachment A
2023 City Council Priorities and Objectives
Council Priority
Crossover
Estimated
Completion Attachment C: Tier 2
Ongoing Net
#/Dept. Objective Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY24 Net Cost Cost
x
x
y
z
4
6
Approve operations and maintenance agreements with Valley Water purified water facility at LATP Area B (CCPA3)
Adopt appropriate changes to the revised Tree Protection Ordinance
Initiate zoning changes consistent with the Comprehensive Plan regarding creek corridor setbacks (Staff to request in FY 24 Mid‐Year)
Initiate evaluation of strategies to protect natural habitats such as bird safe glass, wildlife protection from light pollution, etc
x
x
x
x
x
x
x $
$
N/A N/A
$75,000 X
XN/A (OOT) S/CAP Sustainable Transportation Modes Staffing $
$
185,000
800,000
$
$
196,000
800,000N/A (OOT) Transition to full Electric Vehicle Replacement in FY 2024: a total of $2.6 million ($0.8 M in the General Fund) from $3.4 M to $6.0 M X X
(50%)(100%)
N/A (UTL) Customer Service Staffing $20,000 $21,000
HOUSING FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC BALANCE (HS&EB)$ 3,010,000 $800,000
Advance Renter Protection Policies
x
x
x
aa
bb
cc
Approve access to rental units by establishing security deposit limits
Provide protections to renters by considering expansion of the just cause eviction ordinance (HSEB16)
Implement a rental registry to inform future renter protection policies (HSEB15)
x
x
x
x
2024
$
Advance Housing Plans
x x x dd Expand housing opportunities through the initiation of a Downtown Housing Plan: approval of project funding and a consultant x $550,000 $‐
(PDS)contract (HSEB10)
x
x
x
ee
ff
gg
(PDS)
hh
Advance local and state housing interests through a HCD‐compliant Housing Element (HSEB5)
Advance vision for North Ventura Coordinated Area by adopting a coordinated area plan (HSEB4)
Create new affordable housing opportunities through funding such as a housing land trust, in particular, CalCHA
x
x
TBD
TBD
$
$
$
$
60,000
100,000
700,000
$
$
$
‐
x
x
Explore opportunities to regulate short term‐rentals with Council committee 100,000
700,000
X
(PDS)
8x Construct preliminary schedule for starting new coordinated area plans for San Antonio Road, California Ave, Downtown, and El x X
($50K in
FY24)(PDS)Camino Real (funding reflects the start of funding needed for ONE plan)
Implement Housing Production Policies
x
x
ii
jj
Codify permanent standards related to the City local SB9 implementation ordinance (HSEB 14)
Approve adjusted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations to facilitate production and meet HCD requirements (HSEB9)
x
x
x
x
x
x
kk
ll
Respond to various Grand Jury recommendations related to Housing (HSEB 6, 17, 24)
Refine implementation of City’s SB9 objective development and urban lot split standards (HSEB 14)
x
x
x
x
mm Adopt an ordinance amending the development standards for Stanford‐owned housing opportunity sites
nn
oo
Rezone carryover housing opportunity sites for by‐right dev. when developed w/ 20% lower income affordable housing units
x Adopt an ordinance to implement revised development standards for certain properties located in the GM/ROLM to allow for
densities up to 90 units/acre
x
x
x
9
10
Evaluate RHNA housing allocation and encourage housing production that reflects the needs of the community (no funding request)
Establish an ad hoc committee on housing to review housing policies (no funding request)
x
x
$
$
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Support Unhoused Service Initiatives
x
x
x
x
pp Begin construction in partnership with LifeMoves for Palo Alto Homekey project to provide transitional housing and services for x $
$
1,500,000
100,000
$
$
‐
‐
X
($2.5M)(CMO) unhoused residents (HSEB13)
qq Develop a citywide strategy to connect unhoused residents to housing and services x $X
(CMO)
As of 5/18/2023 2 of 4
Attachment A
2023 City Council Priorities and Objectives
Council Priority
Crossover
Estimated
Completion Attachment C: Tier 2
Ongoing Net
#/Dept. Objective Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY24 Net Cost Cost
COMMUNITY HEALTH & SAFETY (CH&S)$ 1,638,500 $890,000
Mental & Physical Health and Belonging
x
x
rr
ss
Complete reopening libraries to budgeted level (remains below pre‐pandemic levels) (CHS5)
Approval of multi‐year agreement for provisions of animal shelter services (CHS1) (incld. in w/ CSD FY24 proposed dept bgt and CIP)
x
x $
$
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/Axx
x
x
x
tt
uu
vv
11
(CSD)
Expand and enhance community special events with focus on inclusion (linked to activities in ERT) (aligned w/ CSD event staffing request)
Approve agreement with PAUSD on long term use of the Cubberley property (CHS2)
Evaluate Recreation Wellness Center Feasibility (CHS14) (staffing added during FY 23 Mid‐Year Budget)
Evaluate increasing HSRAP funding during the FY 2024 budget process
x
x
x $N/A N/A
x $‐$$$$
$
50,000 $50,000 X X
($150K, HRC ($150K, 1%
max)GF)
x
x
12
13
Facilitate a location for La Comida in North Palo Alto (no funding request at this time)
Increase support and funding for youth mental health
x $‐$$N/A
200,000
N/A
x $‐$$$$‐X
(CSD)
Invest in Reliable Safety Infrastructure and Systems
x
x
ww Support visible police presence by ensuring stable staffing (recruiting and retention) through hiring ahead program (CHS6)x $
$
N/A N/A
N/A
(no funding requested at this time)
xx Support a diverse community through extension of the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) program services to the
community through affirmation of continued City financial support (funding in FY 24 Proposed Police Budget)
Update without interruption 911 dispatch system (CAD provider) once selected through procurement process (CHS4)
Begin construction of the Gas Main Replacement Project 24B
x N/A
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
yy
zz
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
aaa Approve updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CHS15)
bbb Implement Foothills Fire Management Plan (CHS3)
ccc Advance final construction phase of Public Safety Building and begin preparations for move‐in (CHS9)
ddd Approve next steps for the rebuild of Fire Station No. 4 project (specifically design and entitlements) (CHS17)
eee Approve resources and consultant to study and develop seismic and resiliency ordinance (CHS20)
Reduction of Noise and Air Quality Pollution
x $$75,000 $‐X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
fff
ggg
Update gas‐powered leaf blower ordinance and enforcement plan (CHS16)
Implement a strategy for the provision and promotion of unleaded fuel at Palo Alto Airport (CHS12)
x
x
xx
x
hhh Approval of quiet zone implementation (rail/train crossings)
iii Continue engagement with San Francisco Airport on SFO's Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) project and other potential
(PWD) opportunities to decrease SFO noise impacts on Palo Alto (CHS11)
N/A (LIB) Full Restoration of Library Hours & Services
TBD $
$
100,000
406,000
$
$
‐
406,000 X
(hours)
X
X
(services)
N/A (CSD) Eucalyptus Tree Removal
N/A (CSD) Therapeutics Staffing
N/A (POL) Increase Public Safety Dispatcher Staffing
$
$
$
400,000
90,000
317,500
$
$
95,000
339,000
X
X
As of 5/18/2023 3 of 4
Attachment A
2023 City Council Priorities and Objectives
Council Priority
Crossover
Estimated
Completion Attachment C: Tier 2
Ongoing Net
Cost#/Dept. Objective Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY24 Net Cost
ENHANCE SERVICES $ 1,694,500 $ 1,182,000
N/A (CMO) Community Engagement Quarterly Newsletter
N/A (CSD) Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) Volunteer Coordinator Augmentation
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100,000
105,000
117,000
112,500
41,000
67,000
97,000
40,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100,000
110,000
118,000
118,000
41,000
10,000
10,000
40,000
500,000
115,000
20,000
X
X
N/A (CSD) Palo Alto Art Center Exhibit Installation Crew
N/A (CSD) Art Center Program Visitor Services Staffing
N/A (FIR) Fire Services Dispatch Software Data Dashboard
N/A (FIR) Fire Utility Task Vehicle (off‐road capabilities)
N/A (FIR) Water Recycling Equipment
N/A (ITD) Technology Innovation
N/A (PDS) Zoning Code Update
N/A (PDS) Permitting and Inspections Operations Restructure
N/A(PWD) Cypress Lane Alley Improvement
X
X
500,000
115,000
400,000
X
X
X
TOTAL $ 8,668,000 $ 4,484,000
As of 5/18/2023 4 of 4
Storm Water Management Oversight Committee
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 6, 2023
To: Honorable Finance Committee of the Palo Alto City Council
From: Members of the Storm Water Management Oversight Committee
Subject: Review of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Stormwater Management Fund Budget
As directed by the City Council, the Committee met to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 proposed
Stormwater Management Fund budget on Thursday, April 6, 2023. Prior to the meeting, Public Works
staff provided informational materials about the approved 2017 ballot measure and the proposed budget
for the Committee’s review. During the meeting, staff presented information and answered questions
from the Committee members.
We have reviewed the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024 and compared it with the provisions of the
Storm Water Management Fee approved by Palo Alto property owners in 2017. We find that the attached
spreadsheet describing the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024 fairly describes the relationship
between the budget and the ballot measure. Staff and the Committee concur that funding generated by
the Storm Water Management Fee will be applied solely to fund the capital improvement projects, green
stormwater infrastructure projects, innovative stormwater projects, enhanced maintenance of storm drain
system, and storm water quality protection programs specified for implementation in the ballot measure
in Fiscal Year 2024. Because funds available for green stormwater infrastructure and innovative projects
are not being utilized fully, the Committee supports efforts by staff to continue to identify and promote
new projects that meet the goals associated with the ballot measure, such as the proposed Green
Stormwater Infrastructure capital improvement project.
Attachment: Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget
Attachment B
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget
(Amounts in 1000s, as of February 2023)
Adopted
Budget
Adopted
Budget
Adopted
Budget
Adopted
Budget
Adopted
Budget
Adopted
Budget Projection*
Proposed
Budget*
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 6 Year 7
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2023 2024
Revenue Collected
Fee Revenue 6,927 7,128 7,449 7,635 7,838 8,167 7,101 8,168
Interest Earnings 130 130 226 153 153 110 145 153
Development Fees, Violation Fines, Other (Includes Grant Funding)**121 120 121 121 697 1,913 1 697
Total Revenue 7,178 7,378 7,796 7,909 8,688 10,190 7,247 9,018
Base Components 4,262 4,244 6,368 6,500 7,669 9,903 3,926 5,020
Base Program (Incl. Flood Control, Engineering and Administrative Support,
Water Quality, Emergency Response)2,776 2,645 4,861 4,877 6,125 8,071 2,397 3,209
Storm Drainage Maintenance 1,486 1,599 1,507 1,623 1,544 1,832 1,530 1,811
Project & Infrastructure 2,010 4,248 2,455 3,941 6,267 7,933 3,531 4,769
Capital Improvements Program**- 2,200 412 1,871 4,433 5,860 760 2,273
Recurring System Repair (SD-06101)**400 412 424 437 225 464 1,486 887
Debt Service for Past Capital Projects 947 949 949 949 949 949 949 949
Capital Program Engineering Support 158 182 165 179 155 155 155 155
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)380 380 380 380 380 380 143 380
GSI - CIP Design/Construction 330 330 340 250 150 150 - 102
GSI - Consulting Services 50 50 40 130 85 85 143 278
GSI - Other unassigned tasks - - - - 145 145 - -
Innovative Project 125 125 125 125 125 125 38 125
Innovative Project - GSI Consulting Services & Outreach - 100 100 100 100 100 31 100
Innovative Project - Rebates 125 25 25 25 25 25 7 25
Total Expenses 6,272 8,492 8,823 10,441 13,936 17,836 7,457 9,789
Net Impact 906 (1,114) (1,027) (2,532) (5,248) (7,646) (211) (771)
*FY 2023 Projections and FY 2024 Proposed are subject to change as the current fiscal year and budget development process is still in progress.
**FY 2024 Proposed includes estimated remaining funding and grant revenue anticipated to be reappropriated from FY 2022.
Attachment B
May 10, 2023
Honorable City Council
C/O City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
RE: Review of 2024-2028 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CI P)
The Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) reviewed the 2024-2028 proposed
Capital Improvement Plan on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. The PTC determined that the 22 new
Capital Improvement Projects included in the 2024-2028 Capital Budget are consistent with
the adopted Comprehensive Plan and recommended forwarding this finding to the City
Council and Finance Committee.
Commissioner Bart Hechtman made the motion and it was seconded by Commissioner Bryna
Chang. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0.
Respectfully submitted
Doria Summa, Chair
Planning and Transportation Commission
DocuSign Envelope ID: DF875DD6-E6DF-4948-90A8-2B04B3671E02
Attachment C
Attachment D
Summary of Finance Committee Review of FY 2024 Proposed Budget
(Actions & References)
Attachment D - 1
Action Minutes to the Finance Committee Hearings can be found on the City’s webpage here:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Council-Standing-Committees/Finance-
Committee. In addition, throughout the Finance Committee Budget Hearings, various memoranda were
distributed “At Places” in order to respond to inquiries made by the Committee or provide additional
pertinent information at staff’s behest. In addition, summary presentations were given at each hearing
providing high level overviews of each item. Specific meetings and reference links to materials are
outlined below.
May 1, 2023 City Council Meeting
Action Minutes:
• https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=1456&co
mpileOutputType=1
Presentations:
• FY 2024 Proposed Budget Overview
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meeting/attachment/1499.pdf?name=Item%204%20Prese
ntation
• Video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=vRDEmwM2FVE?feature=share
May 5, 2023 Finance Committee
Action Minutes:
• Action minutes are still pending
Presentations:
• FY 2024 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=12590&c
ompileOutputType=1
Video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=iIBi27tPZQk?feature=share
May 9, 2023 Finance Committee
Action Minutes:
• Action minutes are still pending
Presentations:
• FY 2024 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets Continuation:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=12597&c
ompileOutputType=1
Video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=D9U17HXJgkU?feature=share
List of Supplemental Information provided during Budget Deliberations
During the Finance Committee hearings and the City Council update, staff provided additional information
to Committee members to assist in the review of the Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget. Below is a list of
links to those memoranda:
Attachment D
Summary of Finance Committee Review of FY 2024 Proposed Budget
(Actions & References)
Attachment D - 2
• May 5 At Places Memorandum: Capital Reappropriations, staffing & vacancies, contract spend,
organization chart
• May 9 At Places Memorandum: Additional Information Requested by Finance Committee
Additional Information Memos from May 5 (provided at staff’s behest)
In previous years, the City Council has made a variety of requests to provide context and/or additional
data points of reference to aid in budget deliberations. Staff compiled and transmitted the following items
at the May 5, 2023 budget meeting:
• Capital Fund reappropriations list
• Vacancy report, as of May 2023
• City’s list of lease information
• Service provider spend report
• Department organization charts
• Responses to City Council questions from May 1 Study Session
o Hiring status of positions added during FY 2023
o Potential cost savings due to delayed hiring in FY 2024
o Citywide General Expense Reconciliation (FY23 Adopted to FY24 Proposed)
o Status of various capital projects (verbal update during Capital Fund Projects Overview)
May 22, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org/budget
FY 2024 PROPOSED OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGETS
Finance Committee Review with City Council Item #AA1
1
2
PURPOSE OF TONIGHT’S STUDY SESSION
Tonight’s study session facilitates a Finance Committee
check-in with the City Council to review:
•Next steps in the budget process
•New information provided to aid in review
•Status of Finance Committee hearings
•Revised budget balancing
•Staff recommendations
•Potential referrals for staff
GOAL: City Council discuss FY 2024 proposed budget and
provide Finance Committee colleagues guidance for final
Finance Committee recommended FY 2024 budget
BUDGET CONVERSATIONS & SCHEDULE
3
May 1 MAY 5 & 9 MAY 16 TONIGHT MAY 30 JUNE 19
Finance Committee Budget
Workshops:
Review the proposed
budgets and recommend
amendments
Community Budget
Listening Session
Study Session City Council:
Finance Committee check-
in with the City Council
Finance Committee Budget Wrap-up:
Based on the input from the May
budget meetings, recommend final
adjustments to proposed budgets for
Council adoption
City Council: FY 2024 Proposed
Budget Overview:
Discuss guidance for Finance
Committee colleagues
City Council Budget
Adoption:
Adopt Capital & Operating
budgets (as amended by
the Finance Committee)
4
NEW INFORMATION PROVIDED May 5 & 9
At Places Memorandum Summary
•General information transmitted (capital reappropriations; staffing, recruitment,
and vacancies; organization charts)
•Consolidated list of Tier 2 Proposals by Council Priority
•Information Requested by the Finance Committee:
•Pension Trust Contribution History
•HSRAP Funding History
•Library Circulation and Visitor Information
•PATMA Citywide Expansion
•Canine Unit Funding
•Cubberley Operations and Maintenance Funding History
Finance Committee
Adjustments to Budget
FY 2024
GF Expenses
FY 2025 &
Ongoing Dept
HSRAP (reflects HRC requested $'s +$200k/yr)(150,000)(150,000)
CSD
T2: Art Center Visitor Staffing (113,000)(113,000)
T2: Eucalyptus Tree Removal (400,000)-
T2: Youth Mental Health Programs (200,000)-
T2: Therapeutics Recreation Program (90,000)(95,000)
T2: Library Hours (145,000)(145,000)LIB
Neighbors Abroad (20,000)(20,000)NON
T2: Permitting and Inspections Operations (115,000)(115,000)
PDS
T2: Zoning Code Update (3 yrs $1.5M)(500,000)(500,000)
T2: Bird Safe Glass/Wildlife Protection (75,000)-
T2: San Antonio CAP (each plan $2M)(50,000)(700,000)
T2: Regulate Short Term Rentals (100,000)(100,000)
T2: Seismic Upgrade (additional funding)(75,000)-
PATMA Citywide Expansion (25,000)(25,000)OOT
T2: Transportation Modes Staffing (185,000)(196,000)OOT
T2: Fire Utility Task Vehicle (67,000)(10,000)FIR
T2: Public Safety Dispatcher Staffing (267,000)(285,000)POL
T2: Airport Noise Reduction (100,000)-PWD
Cubberley Facility Maintenance & Upkeep (900,000)(900,000)PWD/CSD
T2: Sea Level Rise and Adaptation Plan (200,000)(200,000)PWD/UTL
T2: S/CAP Studies (600,000)-PWD/UTL
T2: LifeMoves Construction (PE-24005)(2,500,000)-CIP
T2: Electric Vehicle Fleet Replacement (50%)(400,000)(400,000)CIP
T2: Economic Dev Staffing (145,000)(145,000)CMO
T2: Car Free Streets (250,000)(250,000)CMO
T2: Unhoused Residence Services (100,000)-CMO
Subtotal Use (Expense)$(7,772,000)$(4,349,000)5
FINANCE COMMITTEE TENTATIVE ADJUSTMENTS
Finance Committee
Adjustments to Budget
FY 2024
GF Sources
FY 2025
GF Sources
Ongoing
Sources
Beginning Balance $2.25 M $2.25 M $-
Measure K Housing and
Homeless Services*750,000 800,000 800,000
FY23 Surplus Major Tax
Revenues 2.5 M --
FY23 Vacancy Savings
($1-2M)1.5 M --
Gas Equity Transfer at
18% in FY25 (measure L)-1.0 M 1.0 M
FY23 & FY24 HomeKey
Operations Savings 2.0 M --
Subtotal Sources $9.0 M $4.0 M $1.8 M
* Measure K Total expected receipts of $1.5M (FY25) and $3.0M ongoing,
allocated to extent eligible expenses are recommended.
Staff recommends additional support
resources of $837,000 to administer
these investments
•Unallocated surplus revenues typically transferred to Pension 115 Trust and capital improvement fund
as one-time contributions.
•Proposed Budget balancing strategy assumes nearly 75% of the expected surplus or tax revenue of
approximately $147 M
•Finance Committee recommends allocation of the full estimated $150 M
Revenue & Other Sources
2020
Actuals
2021
Actuals
2022
Actuals
2023
Adopted
2023
Midyear 2023 Est.Change
Sales Taxes 30,563 29,127 32,705 32,580 34,080 36,148 2,068
Property Taxes 51,089 56,572 59,353 59,770 60,270 61,418 1,148
Transient Occupancy Tax 18,553 5,179 16,946 18,199 22,199 27,274 5,075
General Purpose 11,568 2,796 8,828 8,472 12,472 14,652 2,180
Infrastructure 6,985 2,383 8,118 9,727 9,727 12,622 2,895
Documentary Transfer Tax 6,903 10,627 11,990 7,217 7,217 4,915 (2,302)
Utility Users Tax 16,140 14,642 15,599 15,579 15,579 18,537 2,958
Other Taxes and Fines 1,172 683 893 1,784 1,784 1,784 -
Subtotal: Taxes $124,420 $116,830 $137,486 $135,129 $141,129 $150,076 $8,947
TENTATIVE ADJUSTMENTS: FY 2023 MAJOR TAX REVENUE
6
•The Proposed Budget balancing strategy assumes that projected savings will be used for
alternative staffing strategies and/or one-time contributions
•Tentative recommendations recognize $1.5M
TENTATIVE ADJUSTMENTS: FY 2023 VACANCY SAVINGS
7
Typical uses of vacancy savings:
•Alternative staffing strategies
o professional services
o hire ahead
o technology efficiencies
o summer internship program
o backfill/overtime
•New labor terms (out of cycle)
•One-time contributions (inc.other
net savings)
o $21.6M ($16.4M General Fund)
to Pension Trust since 2017
$67.5M total contributions
o $46.4M to the Capital Improvement
Fund over 10 years
General Fund:
8.3% vacancy rate
(excluding public safety)
3% assumed in budget
$1-2 million savings
projected
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
400.00
450.00
500.00
550.00
600.00
Other Funds General Fund
Citywide Vacancies (14% or 143 FTE)
Filled Vacant - Non Safety Vacant - Safety
FY 2024 PROPOSED BUDGET INVESTMENTS
8
General Fund:
The Proposed Budget adds
$6.6M services with 16 full-
time staff including support
for Council 2023 Priority
outcomes.
Finance Committee
recommendations add
$5.6M and ~8 full-time staff
(inc. 20+ Tier 2 proposals)
Adds $12M year-over-year
•Continued reopening of library branches
•Resources for animal services, theatre, Art Center, special
events, and grants
•Fire and life safety inspection
•PERT clinicians and traffic enforcement
•Historic resources, code enforcement, and Building and
Fire prevention plan review
•Represented custodial services
•Tree trimming services, parklet program
•Water quality control plant to support capital investments
through engineering staffing
•Supporting Dark Fiber expansion and Fiber to the
Premises.
Revised balancing does not contemplate: Parking Lot, future labor negotiations & budget amendments, FY25
Proposed Budget needs, or projects that do not have confirmed timelines or costs ("known unknowns")
*FY26 assumes use of BSR to cover full deficit for demonstration purposes
FY 2024 REVISED GENERAL FUND BALANCING
9
($ in millions)FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026
Spending
(use of $) /
source of $
FY 2024 Budget (Deficit) / Surplus ($2.6)($5.0)($3.9)
Council Priorities Reserve/Tier 2 ($2.3)($2.3)($2.3)
*NEW*Tentative Recommendations $1.2 ($0.3)($0.3)
*NEW*Administrative Support ($0.8)($0.8)($0.8)
BSR at 20% FY25 $0 ($2.8)-
Forecasted (Deficit)/Surplus ($4.5)($11.3)($7.3)
Use of Reserves Use of Uncertainty Reserve& DSD Reserve (FY 24 only)$4.9 $10.1 -
Proposed (Deficit/Surplus)$0.4 ($1.2)($7.3)
revised
Ending Reserve
Balances
Uncertainty Reserve & DSD Reserve ($2.1M)$12.2 $2.1 $2.1
BUDGET STABILIZATION RESERVE ($)$52.9 $55.7 $48.4*
*BUDGET STABILIZATION RESERVE (%)19.5%19.8%16.6%
10
FINANCE COMMITTEE “PARKING LOT”
Parking Lot Items
Amount
source/(cost)Ongoing Dept
Unspent Council Contingency 125,000 -NON
Subtotal Sources (Revenue)$125,000 $-
HSRAP (inc. from HRC max based on GF %)(150,000)(150,000)CSD
T2: Volunteer Coordinator for JMZ (105,000)(110,000)CSD
T2: Library Programs (261,000)(261,000)LIB
T2: Cypress Lane Alley Improvement (400,000)(20,000)PWD
T2: Full Electric Vehicle Fleet Replacement (100%)(400,000)(400,000)PWD
T2: Community Engagement Qtrly Newsletter (100,000)(100,000)CMO
Subtotal Uses (Expense)$(1,416,000)$(1,041,000)
11
FINANCE COMMITTEE POTENTIAL REFERRALS
1)Coordinated Area Plans (CAP) Process Review
•Examine the CAP process with the housing ad hoc committee for potential
improvement and streamlining
•Staff intends to bring forward this review, so no referral is needed
2)Fee Subsidy for S/CAP
•Provide additional detail on potential electrification subsidy to discount or waive
electrification permitting fees
•Staff intends to include this information as part of the S/CAP update staff report
anticipated in June 2023, so no referral is needed
3)Establish HSRAP Allocation at 1% of the General Fund
•Consider if HSRAP funding should be pegged to a benchmark, such as the
percentage of General Fund budgeted expenditures
12
INFORMATION FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
•Tentative Adjustments recommended by the Finance Committee
•Increase funding sources of $9.0M in FY24, $4.0M in FY25, and $1.8M ongoing;
•Add $7.8M expenses in FY24 and $4.3M ongoing
•Finance Committee
•“Parking Lot” items for any additional Tentative Adjustments;
•Referral items from the Finance Committee to Staff; and
•Staff Recommendations
•Reduce additions to the Council Priority Reserve of $2.25M
•Add administrative support in alignment with budget revisions
Council Discussion: review the above and discuss the budget including staff’s recommendations.
Provide Finance Committee guidance for final recommended FY 2024 budget.